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Deploying Applications to the Cloud – How to Make the Most Out of the Solution

Despite the fact that cloud computing is a comparatively new technology, it has revolutionized the way communication in today’s world takes place. Offering an inexpensive and flexible alternative to an organization’s infrastructure, the cloud network can be created, destroyed, reconfigured, shrunk or grown on demand.With statistics showing a steep rise in the number of enterprises that plan to exploit the technology’s potential, it is of paramount importance to ensure that the cloud provides support for running and scaling any application. This can only be achieved by deploying it to the cloud.How Web Deployment to the Cloud Works Wonders
Deploying an application to the cloud insures certain advantages which are briefly outlined below.· Bid farewell to servers for good. Deployment of an application to the cloud guarantees instant execution.· It enables a secure, dedicated and scalable platform for managing simple and critical applications.· It ensures a reliable cloud platform where it is significantly easier to build, manage and test applications.Understanding the Three Cloud Deployment Models
Cloud computing is classified in terms of the three deployment models that organizations use. Each of these modes has its advantages catering to diverse business needs. These deployment models are briefly outlined below.Public Cloud
As the name suggests, this cloud model is accessible by general public. Owned and managed by a third party, this type of cloud is an attractive cost effective infrastructure. Establishing a ‘pay as you go’ model, a public cloud establishes that a single resource will be shared among multiple clients, all of them using security and configuration settings supplied by cloud provider. It can be thought of as a multi-tenancy solution where several users enjoy the same services simultaneously. Perks public clouds offer include ease of use, agility and cost effectiveness. However, data security concerns should be taken into consideration.Private Cloud
Private clouds are solutions that are built exclusively for an enterprise or organization. Private clouds address the two short-comings of public clouds named improved data security and management of resources. This is established through a firewall where unauthorized personnel are denied access to data. It is an ideal choice for business with stringent security issues, desiring complete control over the infrastructure. The advantages a business can secure with this deployment model are flexibility, optimal use of resources, data security and better performance.Hybrid Cloud
Hybrid cloud is a deployment model that incorporates at least one public and one private cloud. Combining the advantages of the two, a hybrid cloud is aimed at achieving application portability. A hybrid cloud is a great choice to secure performance gains. Advantages a hybrid cloud has to offer are business agility, data security and financial gains.Prerequisites to Application Deployment
Characteristics essential to an application before it is migrated to the cloud are specified below.· Since an application comprises several components, it is of grave importance that any licensing agreement associated with them be satisfied.· It is recommended that the application is designed with a code that is multi-threaded. This will allow processing to occur in smaller chunks making it ideal for a cloud.· Make sure that the bandwidth requirements to seamlessly access applications on the cloud are met and addressed.· Clouds make use of the IP (Internet Protocol). The application should use Internet Protocol as communication mechanism and use of TCP (Transfer Control Protocol) is strongly recommended.Moving your application to the cloud is a smart business move and with all the information provided above, we hope that you will be able to accomplish it successfully.Three Different Ways to Deploy Applications
Three different ways that are preferred by application architects to deploy their application to the cloud are as follows.I. Once you have installed the cloud software, log into the cloud. Copy the rmp or exe file of your application into the cloud. Install it and it’s done. This method is used when an application is to be used and deployed frequently;II. Make use of a virtual appliance. You can easily deploy your application provided it is in the appliance format. If it is not, you have to create an appliance using an appliance building tool;III. Auto-install the application. This is done at run time. Often application architects do not understand the need to create an appliance if the application has to run only once. This method not only establishes flexibility but you also get a chance to automatically have the right application installed repetitively.